PDI vs SCHD
PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PDI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.12% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $7.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 16.61% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 1,822 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -1.70% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.30% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.80% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.24% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2012 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PDI vs SCHD Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund (PDI) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PDI returned -3.30% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, PDI is down 1.70% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, PDI compounded at +8.80% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.24% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +2.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -48.0% for PDI and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDI charges 5.12% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $512 vs $6 annually, a gap of $506 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDI currently yields 16.61% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PDI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 125 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDI or SCHD?
PDI has an expense ratio of 5.12% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $506 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDI or SCHD?
Over the past year PDI returned -3.30% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PDI annualized +2.19% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDI or SCHD?
PDI has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PDI -48.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PDI and SCHD?
PDI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDI and SCHD?
PDI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDI or SCHD?
PDI yields 16.61% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.